Vote on GMSD’s April Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

April 2024 - GMSD is excited to announce the nominations for April’s Athlete of the Month! Athlete of the Month is presented by Alisha Dumas with State Farm. These nominations are based on athletic work ethic, attitude, and sportsmanship, but these student athletes are just that - students first, athletes second. They must have good academic standing, maintain a good attendance record, and have a positive outlook towards their education and their community. Receiving a nomination is an honor in itself!


Each month the community will get to vote on which athlete they would like to see become the GMSD Athlete of the Month. There is a High School category and a Middle School category. Voting for these categories will be kept separate, so each month there will be an Athlete of the Month from the High School and the Middle School. The winners will be announced towards the end of each month. 


Here are the April High School nominees: 


Elizabeth Cleveland - Sophomore, Softball 

Elizabeth has been playing softball for over 9 years, and during her freshman season, she was the starting varsity pitcher. She is known for always cheering on her teammates, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to better herself and her team. Elizabeth loves being able to grow not only as an athlete, but as a person through the softball program. She has strengthened her leadership skills, and her determination carries over into her academic pursuits as well. She maintains a 4.0 and is a member of the Houston Honors Academy and National Beta Club. 


Trinden Holliday - Junior, Soccer

Trinden has participated in team soccer since he was 5 years old. He has contributed to many championship wins across his school and club teams. Trinden is the team motivator. He works hard to lead by example and encourages others to always pursue their best. He is a hard worker and an uplifting teammate both on and off the field. 


Kaylea Howell - Junior, Softball

Kaylea has a reputation for striving for excellence. She has been playing softball since she was 8 years old, and she has a competitive spirit. Kaylea has been a starting varsity player at HHS since her freshman year, and she also competes with the Mississippi Glory. During her freshman season at HHS, she received co-rookie of the year. With a .548 batting average and 36 stolen bases, Kaylea’s stats continue to soar. She works very hard to succeed, and her passion is an encouragement to those around her to pursue their best as well. As an active member of SGA, HOSA, German Club, FCA, and Beta Club, Kaylea strives for excellence in every aspect of her athletic and academic pursuits. 


Quinn Newhouse - Junior, Soccer

Quinn has been an athlete since a young age, but soccer is his primary sport. He plays for the Germantown Legends 05/06 ENCL club team, and for the 23-24 season, he was team captain. On the Houston team, Quinn is the go to leader for team building events, both on and off the field. He is a strong communicator, and he is a highly motivated individual. He works hard to maintain his athletics skills, often practicing on his own outside of team practices. Quinn strives to excel not only in athletics, but in academics as well. He takes multiple AP and DE classes, and he maintains a high GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society, HHS Service Club, and he founded the HHS Pickleball Club. 


Joey Presson - Senior, Track & Field 

Joey has had a successful sports journey, placing first in two track heats during his junior year and winning the JV city championship in cross country. He works hard to push himself to be his best, but he also expresses the importance of supporting his teammates saying, “Being part of the team is more than just racing. It’s about supporting each other through every step of the journey.” Joey chooses to lead by example in his athletics and academics, where he is always striving for excellence. 


Ella Squires - Freshman, Track & Field 

Ella began running at HMS in 7th grade. After only one year of competing, Ella was awarded, The Most Improved Runner. She was a part of the State Championship winning team during her 8th grade season, and she also helped her team at HHS win the Randolph Invitational. Ella loves running, and she is always willing to help her teammates. If someone needs encouragement, Ella will be right there ready to run with them. With goals of continuing her athletic career at the collegiate level, Ella works hard in the classroom as well. 



Here are the April Middle School nominees: 


Essence Burrell - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Track & Field 

Essence placed 3rd in the MYA Championship in long jump last year, and she placed in the top 15 last year in the MYA Conference in the 100 meter dash, 10th in the 200 meter dash, and 10th in the 40 meter dash. Essence’s leadership skills are always on full display when she is with her teammates. She leads by example, always pushing herself, and she is known for shouting and cheering encouragements to her teammates as well. She is hyper competitive and passionate about her athletic career, and she wants to be a positive example of a well balanced student athlete in her community, often volunteering. 


Ian Chipman-Kalin - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer

Ian is incredibly passionate about soccer, and his teammates are a huge part of that. He believes that success begins through hard work, encouragement, and humility. He is a respected member of the team and a natural leader. He is extremely competitive, and he works hard to ensure that he always does his very best. 


Clay Crittendon - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Track & Field 

Clay has been on the track team since the 3rd grade, and he has medaled 5 times, broken many of his personal records, helped the team place second overall last year by placing 1st in shot put and in the top 3 of his races. Last season, he was chosen to be Team Captain. Clay continuously displays strong leadership skills and a desire to help others. He is known for being an uplifting and cheerful teammate who encourages those around him. He truly loves this sport and his teammates.


Ellie Hoover - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Softball  

Ellie’s softball career at HMS is just beginning, but she has been playing competitively for 4 years, even being voted MVP of a tournament in 2023. Her career at HMS has already been a success as she works hard to help her team both as a pitcher and as a hitter. Ellie loves her teammates, and she is known as the loudest in the dugout, always cheering them on. Ellie truly loves softball, and she strives for excellence in her athletics and her academics.


Lucy Pierce - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Softball

Lucy has been playing softball since she was 5 years old, and she has been playing competitively for 4 years. She has been awarded MVP at several tournaments, and she is a versatile player. Lucy is always encouraging her teammates and is a leader on the field. She gives 100% to her teammates, and she is very competitive. She is not only competitive on the field, but also in the classroom, wanting to be her very best. 


Miller Wagner - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer 

Miller has been playing soccer since he was 5 years old. Over the past 7 years, he has played for the Germantown Legends 2010 ECNL-RL, TN ODP, and HMS. His speed, agility, desire to win, and heart have all played a huge role in his success. He remains positive towards his teammates and is always a source of encouragement. He wants to succeed, but he also wants to see his teammates succeed. 


Congratulations to these athletes! Click here to cast your vote. Voting is set to close Tuesday, April 30 at noon.

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